Two tourist information officers walk along an empty street in the normally busy Myeongdong shopping district in Seoul on Nov. 29, 2020. The greater Seoul area remains under Level 2 social distancing amid a surge in coronavirus infections nationwide. (Photo: Yonhap News)
South Korea on Sunday kept the greater Seoul area under Level 2 social distancing measures while raising antivirus curbs in all other areas to Level 1.5 amid mounting concerns another wave of COVID-19 could hit during the winter season.
More restrictions will be implemented in the capital region starting from Tuesday for a week, with all other areas under Level 1.5 social distancing for two weeks.
Health authorities said Busan, South Chungcheong and three other areas where high numbers of virus cases have been reported will also be put under Level 2 measures.
Tougher social distancing rules includes the mandatory shut down of saunas and bathhouses and a ban on nine types of indoor exercises practiced by groups, such as Zumba dance, aerobics and kickboxing.
The government said it will also prohibit hotels, party rooms and other guesthouses from hosting year-end or New Year's Eve parties.
Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun reassured the government is in the process of securing COVID-19 vaccine supplies and said details of the procurement plan will be unveiled this week.
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